Category: News

ELLISVILLE – Two Jones College sophomore art majors earned ribbons for their artwork submitted to the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s statewide student art show. Jonathan Hayes of Ellisville earned the top award with a Blue Ribbon for his 3D sculpture called, “I Told You So.”

“It’s hard to describe but the judges called it shapeless and dark,” explained Hayes. “It’s one of my favorite pieces that is mostly made of paper mâché and some mat boards. Inspired by the newspaper comic strips I had access to, I carefully placed them to produce a feeling, a message about how disappointed I am with the way the current politics are turning now.”

His award winning sculpture, along with some of his drawings will be on display during the Sophomore Art Show, which is open now until May 1, in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery. Viewers will also have the chance to see Laurel’s Bryanna Davidson’s drawings and ceramics. She won a 3^rd place ribbon for her charcoal drawing of teeth. Jones College Art instructor, Melanie Banks said this year’s show features a little bit of everything from the classes students take on campus from drawing and design to ceramics and paintings, we cover all those bases.

“The Exhibit Class art majors are solid artists, producing lots of creative things. The future is bright for them, and I’m excited about where they are going with their art. I hope the public takes the time to see their artwork,” said Eubanks.

Raleigh’s Brice Johnson fills a lot of the gallery with his varied pottery and sculpture pieces in addition to drawings and paintings.

“It’s stuff from my life and what I’ve seen and what it means to me. I’m sharing a little part of me with the community including some of my favorite bowls, bottles, old lanterns, and other uncommon things,” said Johnson.

Other sophomore artists’ work on display this month include the colorful drawings of Nolan Davis of Laurel, Aliyah Denham of Taylorsville, Neena French of Waynesboro, Atlas Hembree of Meridian, and Lindsey Hull of Alvin Texas/currently of Ellisville.

For more information about the JC art show or to arrange a visit to the gallery call 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Wednesdays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. If you want to know more about the Jones College Art Department, go to the JC Art Department’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/ and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.

ELLISVILLE – Connections and music seemingly go hand in hand in the world of fine arts according to Jones College Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge. After a recital with the Topaz Trio, Burge’s freshman student, Jessica Manning of Quitman had the opportunity to receive a “masterclass” from a member of the trio and his former Mississippi State University saxophone professor, Dr. Gail Levinsky.

“I think it’s really interesting how connected we are in the music world. To have my former teacher teach my student is an example of that,” Burge explained. “It’s a really special thing and I’m very proud of my student, Jessica. She did a really good job!”

Levinsky focused on a couple of tips that could have a profound effect on Manning’s performance or different styles of playing. Admittedly, Manning said she learned a different style of performance and will have to relearn a few things.

“I really enjoyed how Dr. Levinsky broke it down in a different way I haven’t heard before,” said Manning. “A lot of the things that I’ve been doing for years, she changed which was a really new experience for me because I have been taking lessons in high school. I learned a new technique for everything today, which I have to relearn but I’m super excited about it.”

Levinsky currently serves on the faculty as Professor of Music at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. Her performance credits, commissions and premieres include presentations both nationally and internationally. She earned her Master, Artist Certificate and Doctorate degrees from Northwestern University and has published varied saxophone chapters about teaching saxophone and recently completed a solo CD featuring music of women composers.

“It’s always a pleasure to have groups like this showcase their gifts and the students learn a lot,” said Burge.

Additionally, Burge’s college piano accompanist, Dr. Jackie Edwards Henry also performed with the trio. She has been the accompanist for the Topaz Trio since 2019, and has performed with her duet partner, Dr. Levinsky since 1994, nationally and internationally.

The third member of the group, oboist, Dr. Duso-Kitts is currently a professor of double reeds at the University of Central Arkansas and Conway Symphony Orchestra. She has performed with the Orquesta Philharmonica de Santa Cruz in Bolivia, Orquesta Sinfonica de Estado de Mexico and Orquesta Sinfonia de Jalapa in Mexico. She received her Bachelor of Music from Indiana University, her Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music and her DMA from the University of Michigan.  

ELLISVILLE – The inaugural Winterguard performing group, made up of 13 Jones College students ended the season recently earning the Mississippi Indoor Association Regional A Championships in addition to earning a Silver Medal from the Winter Guard International Gulfport Regional competitions. Jones College Winterguard is a team of 13 Cologuard members from the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band under the direction of the new, JC Colorguard Director, Meredith Owen.

“The team goes through an audition process after we finish the Marching Band season in December,” Owen explained. “I’ve started other Winterguard teams in high school and after the fall here at Jones, I thought there was a possibility Winterguard would work here too. After learning what these ladies were capable of, I knew it would be a great opportunity for them.”

Being fully committed in the fall and buying into Owen’s process proved to be very successful for the new team comprised of students from all three Jones County high schools, Mize in Smith County, and Florence and Northwest Rankin High Schools.

“It was very interesting we came from all different high schools, and you can see that in our different technique and personality but it’s also beautiful to see how that all blended,” shared Jones College freshman, Emma Jackson from Flowood. “You would expect a lot of drama, but we worked through it, and it felt more like a family, than a team. We worked so well together because of the relationships we’ve had with each other; we were honest with each other and didn’t hold back. We were open minded. It was wonderful to see how we molded together this perfect show because we were willing to be vulnerable with each other.”

Sophomore, Sheridan White from Laurel explained the group realized they were something different after the first competition. “After that, it was never a question of are we going to be good, we knew we were good, and it was nice to see the results of our hard work. The fact that we showed up and showed out every single day, made it magical because we earned the scores we really worked hard for.”

The Jones College Winterguard team practices three afternoons a week for two to two-and-a-half hours each session. This past season, Jones College competed five times in total with the number of competitions varying from year to year. The Mississippi Indoor Association (MIA) circuit included competitions at Harrison Central HS, Northwest Rankin HS, Pearl HS, and MIA Championships in Jackson, MS. The Winterguard group also performed the competition performance piece, “Silhouette,” a 3:47 minute performance to Grace Carter’s “Silhouette” in the Winter Guard International (WGI) Gulfport Regional. The JC Colorguard members’ show is about the heartbreak of relationships, developed by Owens and choreographer/designer, Mason Barnes.

“We got to tell our stories without saying words, and put everything we had into it. The performance is about being hurt during a heart break, losing somebody. We pulled from those emotions of heartbrokenness and put it into the show,” explained Ellisville freshman, Charlee Norman. “Next year, I’m looking forward to defending our title and getting to do this again. We do have a bullseye on our back, but we’re going to be more than ready as people begin looking for us next year!”

Competition is part of the program’s focus, however, Owen said there’s more to Winterguard, like camaraderie and fun. Also, as the team prepares to compete at the next level next fall, Owen explains it will be a little more challenging for the group with big rewards. Moving up to the Independent A level, has the JC Winterguard setting their eyes on a visit to the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

“On the state level, there were several teams in the Independent A group, and nationally, there are about 50 teams we could face in Ohio if we make it,” Owen said. “We know of nine ladies who will return next year, and I hope they are just as committed as this group because I’m super blessed to have this group. It is an educator’s dream!”

While it’s Owen’s first year at Jones College, she has spent the last nine years as a freelance choreographer, clinician, adjudicator, and program consultant across the Southeast, as well as being a member of the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps in Denver, Colorado and the Louisiana Stars Drum and Bugle Corps in Lafayette, Louisiana. Owen has also been the Colorguard Director at Ridgeland and Petal High Schools in Mississippi and she has served in similar roles in Texas. For more information about the Winterguard program at Jones College contact Meredith Owen by email at, meredith.owen@ymail.com or the Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge at ben.burge@jcjc.edu

JC Winterguard 2023 and Hometowns:

Ar’dajah Pierce – Laurel, MS

Arielle Grimaldo – Moselle, MS

Avery Roberts – Florence, MS

Charlee Norman – Ellisville, MS

Dori Saranthus – Mize, MS

Emma Jackson – Flowood, MS

Gabriella Lopez – Ridgeland, MS

Jay’Nia Keyes – Taylorsville, MS

Kaylee Moss – Ellisville, MS

Layken Valentine – Ellisville, MS

Paige Farve – Sandersville, MS

Rebekah Sudduth – Pearl, MS

Sheridan White – Laurel, MS

ELLISVILLE – The Jones College Symphonic Band was recently commissioned by retired band director and composer from Gulfport, Greg Fhiaras to record one of his new works called, “Tale of the Trolls.” Fhiaras dedicated the piece to the JC band and the Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, who has decided to debut the music before a live audience at the Spring Band Concert on Tuesday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the A.B. Howard Gymnasium.

“This is a first ever for the Symphonic or any band at Jones College to be recorded for a music publisher. It’s also the first time anyone has dedicated a piece of music to me!” Burge explained excitedly.

After rehearsing and recording the music in January, the band enjoyed it so much that Burge recently decided to add it to the concert line up.

“‘Tale of the Trolls’ has a mixed meter, and it has a variety of dynamics with some cool percussion work that we are eager to play for the public,” shared Burge. “One day, one of our students will run across this and remember playing this piece. I think that’s just cool!”

Initially, Fhiaras shelved the Troll piece after his mother became ill, until recently. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Fhiaras, who typically writes for young band students and small groups, realized the “Troll” piece was more complicated when he finished it.

“It’s probably the hardest piece I have ever written,” explained Fhiaras. “When I finished, I was amazed I wrote it! It reminded me of crazy dancing and a sad troll, and that’s partly why I named it, ‘Tale of the Trolls.’”

After working 11 of his 27 years in the Jones College district as a band director for Collins, Mt. Olive and Bay Springs, he was familiar with the JC Honor Band Clinics. As a college student, Fhiaras fondly remembers former Jones College band director George Arnold.

“The Jones College Auditorium was always a great place to play and I remember being amazed at the marching band in 1976, when I played for Gulf Coast Community College’s band. George Arnold transformed the band, and we were blown away. I knew George, (and former JC Band Directors) Sammy Barr and David Young, and I also know Dr. Burge is from the Pearl River area. In a way, he inspired the ‘Trolls’ piece,” said Fhiaras.

The Jones College Symphonic band has also recorded two other pieces for Fhiaras, “Horn Island March” and “A Festive Celebration.”  He invited each of three community colleges, Co-Lin, Jones College and Pearl River to record three of his new musical pieces in an effort to promote community college bands. The new tunes by Fhiaras are expected to be published and recorded by the Texas music publishing company, Tux People’s Music, in May. For more information about the Jones College band program email ben.burge@jcjc.edu or view the Jones College of the Arts, Music and Performance website at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/

BAY SPRINGS – Jones College launched the Practical Nursing program at the Jasper County Center in August 2022. Since then, students have been learning new skills and preparing for their futures. Recently, they began applying their skills and knowledge during the first, “Community Days of Service” program, coordinated by instructor, Latisha Houze. Besides learning skills, Houze has also been reinforcing soft skills and communication techniques which are also vital keys to a positive relationship between health professionals and patients.

Houze explained, “As students learn theories and skills, we also want to ensure they have compassion and are courteous to those they are caring for and their families.”   

Some of the events the Practical Nursing (PN) students and staff at the Jasper County Center hosted for the community included the first blood drive with Vitalant Blood Services in response to the blood shortage. The PN students coordinated the event, recruited the participants and monitored the drive. The success of the program was evident when the initial donation goal was surpassed. This group is making plans for next year’s blood drive.

Next on the “community service” list included PN students traveling to Bay Springs Elementary to present a nutrition lesson to kindergarten students. Using the popular children’s book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” Jones College Practical Nursing freshman, Chelsea Butler of Stringer, said she hopes kindergartners learned about the importance of good nutrition.

“It is important to teach children the benefits of eating healthy, so why not do it in a fun way? The kindergarten students were so interactive and ready to learn, and they did a wonderful job of helping us decide which healthy foods to feed our caterpillar!” said Butler.

The Practical Nursing students also conducted a free, drive-through blood pressure screening in Bay Springs to conclude the first day of community service.

Grant Crowder, Director of Jones College’s Jasper County Center noted, “It is exciting to see the growth of the Jasper County Center and the growing opportunities for Jasper County students and residents.”

Additionally, Jones College’s Jasper County Center hosted a collaboration between the West Jasper School District’s Health Science program and the new Jones College Practical Nursing program students. High School students from Bay Springs and Stringer attended the event and were able to participate in simulated work environments and skill sessions taught by the PN college students. After demonstrating nursing skills to the high school students in a “mini” clinical setting, the JC students evaluated the high school students’ abilities.  

Megan Welborn, Health Science instructor for West Jasper School District said, “We are so fortunate to have such a great healthcare program located in Jasper County. My Healthcare and Clinical Services students enjoyed working with the Practical Nursing students at Jones College so much that we plan to make this an annual event.”

The goal of collaboration for both the college PN and high school students was to gain knowledge through the “mini lab” sessions. JC students were also evaluated on the high school student’s performance. 

If you are interested in any of the programs offered at the Jasper County Center, please call 601-477-5473 for more information or go to the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/locations/jasper-campus/

Jones College Practical Nursing Students-Jasper County Center

Sarah Thompson – Stringer

Kailya Pierce – Vossburg

Kiamilia Ross – Louin

O’Nett Booth – Collins

Madalyn Bynum – Ellisville

Anthony Steele – Bay Springs

Jordyn Harris – Bay Springs

Destinee Burton – Mize

Isabella Graham – Stringer

Chelsea Butler – Stringer

Lexi Sims – Bay Spring

Delayna Harris – Stringer

Chelsey Booth – Mt. Olive

Abi Kupperschmid – Stringer

Anna Dykes – Stringer.